Monorail transportation system

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a monorail system wherein an elevated rail traverses a prescribed course. Shuttle tracks exit and enter from a first side of the elevated rail at selected locations along the length of the rail. A shuttle car is supported for travel over the rail and includes an overhang portion which overhangs and bears against the first side of the rail such that the shuttle car automatically exits and enters the rail via the shuttle tracks. A main car is also supported for travel over the rail and includes an overhang portion which overhangs and bears against the second side of the rail opposite the first side, wherein the main car only travels along the elevated rail and is prevented from exiting or entering via the shuttle tracks.

Elited ties atent n 1 Steen [11.1 3,86,040 [4 1 lFeb. 11, 11975 MONORAIL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM [76] Inventor: George A. Steen, 702 College St.,

Cleveland, Miss. 38732 [22] Filed: May 23, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 363,002

[52] U.S. Cl 104/18, 104/118, 104/89, 104/105, 104/130, 105/141, 105/148, 105/215 [51] Int. Cl B61k l/00 [58] Field 01 Search 104/89, 91, 93, 18, 20, 104/106,107,110,118,120,121;105/141, 144,145,146,147,148, 150,151,153

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,037,462 6/1962 Barry 104/20 3,092,039 6/1963 Lich 104/93 3,613,599 10/1971 Seidman 104/18 3,659,529 5/1972 Jacobs 104/121 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-D. W. Keen Attorney, Agent, or Firnz-Richards, Harris & Medlock [57] ABSTRACT The specification discloses a monorail system wherein an elevated rail traverses a prescribed course. Shuttle tracks exit and enter from a first side of the elevated rail at selected locations along the length of the rail. A shuttle car is supported for travel over the rail and includes an overhang portion which overhangs and bears against the first side of the rail such that the shuttle car automatically exits and enters the rail via the shuttle tracks. A main car is also supported for travel over the rail and includes an overhang portion which overhangs and bears against the second side of the rail opposite the first side, wherein the main car only travels along the elevated rail and is prevented from exiting or entering via the shuttle tracks 16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures I MONORAIL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION THE PRIOR ART A wide variety of different types of monorail transportation systems have heretofore been developed. Such monorail systems have been powered by combustion engines, by air propulsion devices and by magnetic propulsion devices. However, previously developed monorail systems have generally been overly complex in construction and operation. For example, relatively sophisticated and complex switching mechanisms have heretofore been required to enable switching of a car from a main track to a shuttle track for loading and unloading passengers. Moreover, many previously developed monorail systems have required an entire train to stop at a station for unloading and loading passengers, thereby substantially decreasing the efficiency of operation of the system. A need thus exists for a monorail tranportation system which is simple in operation and construction, but which enables passengers to be shuttled to and from a main car traveling at a high speed without the requirement of a complex rail switching system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a monorail system is provided which includes an elevated rail traversing a prescribed course. A main car depends from a first side of the rail for travel along the rail at a high speed. A shuttle car depends from a second side of the rail for travel along the rail in conjunction with the main car. When desired, the shuttle car is automatically shuttled from the elevated rail to a shuttle track for unloading and loading passengers, while the main car continues to travel at a high speed on the elevated rail.

In accordance with a more specific aspect of the invention, a monorail system includes an elevated rail traversing a prescribed course and including shuttle tracks exiting and entering from a first side of the elevated rail. A shuttle car is supported for travel over the rail and includes an overhang portion which overhangs the first side of the rail such that the shuttle car automatically exits and enters the rail via the shuttle tracks. A main car is supported for travel over the rail and includes an overhang portion which overhangs the second side of the rail opposite the first side, wherein the main car only travels along the elevated rail.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a transportation system includes an elevated rail having an upper track surface and first and second opposed sides. Shuttle tracks branch from the first side of the rail to provide exit from and entry to the rail only from the first side. A shuttle car has a propulsion system for propelling the car along the upper track surface and includes an overhang housing with lower wheels which bear against the first side of the rail. The lower wheels cause the shuttle car to exit and enter the rail from the shuttle tracks. A main car has a propulsion system for propelling the car along the upper track and includes an overhang housing with lower wheels which bear against the second side of the rail. The lower wheels of the main car prevent the main car from entering the shuttle tracks. Structure is provided to connect the shuttle car and the main car for travel along the rail and for disconnecting the shuttle car from the main car for exit of the shuttle car on the shuttle tracks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a somewhat diagramatic top view of a station in a transportation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagramatic end view of a main car according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view of a shuttle car constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a main car and a shuttle car constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the opposite side of the main car and shuttle car shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a somewhat diagramatic partially broken away illustration of the wheel arrangement on the underside of the shuttle car of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top somewhat schematic view of the shuttle car of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic view of a magnetic coupling system for use with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagramatic illustration of another embodiment ofa track and car for use with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a monorail track for use with the invention.

I DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 is an illustration of one station of the present transportation system. A station 10 is disposed between a first main track "12 and a second main track 14. A shuttle track 16 exits from the main track 12, extends along one side of the station 10 and again enters the main track 12. A shuttle track 18 exits and enters a side of the main track 14 and extends along the other side of the station 10. In use, trains travel in one direction along the main track 12 and in the opposite direction along track 14. The two tracks may extend over a long distance and include a large number of stations 10. Stations 10 are utilized to allow passengers to enter and exit from the main cars which travel along main tracks 12 and 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, a main car 20 travels in one direction along track 12, while a second main car 22 travels in an opposite direction along main track 14. A shuttle car 24 normally travels immediately in front of the main car 20 and is coupled thereto for long distance travel. When it is desired to allow passengers in the main car 20 to exit, the passengers enter the shuttle car 24, and the main car 20 and shuttle car 24 are decoupled. The main car 20 continues at high speed along the main track 12, while the shuttle car 24 exits off the shuttle track 16. Passengers may then exit from the shuttle car 24 and new passengers may enter the shuttle car 24. The shuttle car 24 then proceeds back along the shuttle track 16 and reenters the main track 12. Another main train car 20 then couples onto the shuttle car 24 and the passengers may exit from the shuttle car 24 onto the main train car, wherein they may ride in comfort for the main part of their journey. Passengers may enter and exit main car 22 via a shuttle car 26 in the same manner as that previously described.

In this manner, passengers may exit and enter main cars traveling at high speed without requiring the main cars to slow down and stop. This substantially increases the speed of operation of the system. As will be subsequently described in greater detail, the main cars and 22 depend from one side of the main tracks 12 and 14, while the shuttle cars 24 and 26 depend from the opposite sides of the main tracks. Utilizing this arrangement, no movable switching apparatus is required to enable switching of the shuttle cars from the main track onto the shuttle track and back again. This elimination of moving switches reduces substantial expense and maintenance problems, while increasing the safety of the present system.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the front of the main car and shuttle carof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the monorail track 30 of the invention comprises a support pedestal 32 which in the illustrated embodiment is slanted with respect to vertical. The upper part of the track 32 includes a support surface 34 and a pair of upstanding guide rails 36 and 38. The outer sides of the upper part of the rail 30 are downwardly inclined, such that the upper portion of the rail is provided with a generally triangular shape. v

The main car 40 includes an upper portion 42 which has wheels 44 and 46 which bear against the support surface 34. In addition, car 40 includes an overhanging housing having a lower set of wheels 48 which bear against the side of the track 30. In some cases, counter balance weight may be added to the side of the main car 40 opposite the overhanging housing. The main car 40 also includes a lower portion 50 which may serve as a kitchen, storage or additional passenger space.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main car 40 depends or overhangs from the right hand side of monorail track 30. The wheels 44 and 46 support the main weight of the car, with the wheels 48 bearing against the side of the rail 30 to add support for the main car 40 for high speed travel along the rail 30. Due to the fact that the wheels 48 continually bear against one side of the rail 30, it will be seen that the main car 40 may be maintained only upon the main track, as long as the shuttle tracks only exit from the left hand side of the track 30.

Referring to FIG. 3, the shuttle car 52 is illustrated as depending from the left hand side of the track 30. The shuttle car 52 includes wheels 54 and 56 which bear against the support surface 34 of the rail 30. The raised guide rails 36 and 38 maintain the wheels of both the main car 40 and the shuttle car 52 in their desired place on the support surface 34. The shuttle car 52 includes an overhang housing portion 60 which supports a lower set of wheels 62 which bear against the left hand side of the track 30. Since all shuttle tracks of the system exit from the left hand side of the track 30, the shuttle car 52 will stay on the main track until the occurrence of the shuttle track, at which time the car automatically enters the shuttle track and exits from the main track. In this way, no movable switching systems are required in the present system.

In the preferred embodiment, the wheels 44-46 and wheels 54-56 of the cars are propelled by suitable motor to operate the devices at high speeds. However,

it will be understood that other techniques for propelling for cars may also be utilized. For example, electromagnetic motive systems may be utilized, as well as pressurized air propulsion systems and the like. If air propulsion is utilized, the wheels 44-46 and 54-56 will not be required.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the main car 40 illustrating how the shuttle car 52 is disposed on the opposite side of the monorail track 30 from shuttle car 52. As shown in FIG. 4, the main car 40 includes windows for passengers in the conventional manner. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the main car 40 and shuttle car 52 taken from the opposite side of the monorail track 30. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the shuttle car 52 is coupled to the front portion of the main car 50 during travel along the monorail track 30 at high speeds. Passengers may move from the shuttle car 52 into the main car 40 and back again. Prior to the direction of the shuttle car 52 to a shuttle track, the main car 40 and the shuttle car 52 are decoupled and the shuttle car 52 is automatically routed off the main track onto the shuttle track in the manner previously described.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially cut away view of the overhang portion 60 of the housing of the shuttle car 52. In order to allow easy removal of the main car and the shuttle car from the monorail track 30, provision is made to move the lower wheels into and out of contact with the inclined side of the track 30. An electrical motor 72 operates an output gear 74 which drives a larger gear 76 to turn a shaft 78. A pair of cams 80 and 82 are fixedly mounted on the shaft 78. The cams bear against a housing 84 containing the wheel 86. Shock absorbers 88 are connected between the housing 84 and the wheel 86. In order to remove the wheel 86 from contact with the track 30, motor 72 is energized in order to rotate the cams 80 and 82m move the housing 84 away from engagement with the side of the track. The car may then be removed for repair or maintenance. When the car is again positioned on the track, the wheel 86 may then be moved into abutment with the side of the track 30 in order to securely maintain the car in position on the track. As previously noted, the wheel 86 serves to enable the shuttle cars 52 to be automatically shuttled to and from the main tracks by use of the shuttle tracks of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a somewhat schematic top view of the construction of the shuttle car 52. A first set of seats 90 are disposed along one side of the car 40, while second and third sets of seats 92 and 94 are spaced apart along the second side of the car 40. A side exit door 96 is disposed between the sets of seats 92 and 94 to enable passenger entry to and from the car as desired.

The overhang portion of the housing of the shuttle car 52 is disposed along the side of the exit door 96. Entry and exit doors 98 and 100 are provided at opposite ends of the shuttle cars 52. Flexible extensions 102 and 104 are provided to enable transportation of passengers between the main car and the shuttle car while protecting the passengers from wind and other dangers. A driver for the shuttle car may be positioned in the area 106, while the motor or power supply for the motors drive is located in the area designated as 108.

Coupling between the main car and the shuttle cars may be accomplished by a variety of mechanical train coupling devices commonly utilized. For example, a receptacle may be disposed on the end of one of the cars and a projection with locking surfaces disposed on the second car. The projection is then received within the receptacle in order to couple the cars together.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative coupling embodiment utilizing electromagentic coupling. A housng 110 is mounted on the end of one of the cars and includes a coupling housing lll2 pivotally connected at pivot IM to housing 110. Springs 116 are connected between the housing Jill) and housing 112 in order to normally maintain housing I12 parallel to the end of the car. An electromagnet 120 is disposed within housing 112 and electrical current may be selectively applied thereto in order to provide a suitable magnetic field. An identical coupling housing arrangement 120 is connected on the end of an adjacent car, with an electromagnet mound in an opposite direction from electromagnet I20 and 122. Upon selective energization of the electromagnetic systems, the housing will be magnetically attracted so that the cars may be selectively coupled together. To decouple, the current in the electromagnets need only be reversed. The electromagentic couplng system shown in FIG. 8 is particularly suitable when a main car is utilized to push a shuttle car as in the preferred embodiment. However, it will be understood that the present invention in some instances may utilize a main car which pulls a shuttle car attached to the rear thereof, and in such instances a stronger mechanical coupling system may be required.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pedestal supporting the monorail track of the invention may be inclined in order to enable a relatively large overhang housing of the main car to accommodate additional storage space or passengers. However, it will be understood that the present invention also encompasses the use of a track such as shown in FIG. 9, wherein a main monorail track 130 is supported by an upright pedestal 132. A support portion 134 is disposed between upraised guide rails I36 and 138 which operate to maintain the wheels 140 and M2 of a car M4 in the correct location. The overhang housing 146 of the car in this embodiment may be accommodated due to the extra width of the surface 134. The lower wheel system 148 bears against the inclined surfaces of the track in the same manner as previously described, in order to provide stability to the car, as well as enabling switching of the shuttle car from the main track without automatic switching equipment.

FIG. illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the monorail track 150 which includes a support surface 152 having upraised guide rails I54 and 156 along each side thereof. The rail 150 may be supported by suitable pedestals which may be slanted or perpendicular. Due to the guide rails iand 156, drain holes 158 may be provided in order to prevent accumulation of water on the support surface 152. In some instances, electrical resistance wires may be utilized to provide heat to prevent buildup of snow or ice during winter.

It may thus be seen that the prsent invention provides a monorail transportation system which substantially eliminates the use of complex and expensive switching systems. The present system enables transport of passengers at a continuously high speed between points, without the requirement of continual stopping and starting up of the main train due to deplaning of passengers at intermediate points. The present system also provides an efficient and generally maintenance-free system with a high degree of stability and safety during operation.

Whereas the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended to encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended! claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A transportation system comprising:

an elevated rail having an upper track surface and first and second opposed sides,

shuttle tracks branching from said first side of said rail to provide exits from and entries to said rail only from said first side,

a shuttle car having a propulsion system for propelling said car along said upper track surface and having an overhang housing with lower wheels which bear against said first side of said rail, said lower wheels causing said shuttle car to exit and enter said rail from said shuttle tracks,

a main car having a propulsion system for propelling said car along said upper track and having an overhang housing with lower wheels which bear against said second side of said rail, said lower wheels of said main car preventing said main car from entering said shuttle tracks, and

means for connecting said shuttle car and said main car for travel along said'rail and for disconnecting said shuttle car from said main car for exit of said shuttle car on said shuttle tracks.

2. The transportation system of claim 1 wherein said shuttle car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion system and being supported by said upper track surface, said overhang housing depending downwardly from said first side of said upper housing.

3. The transportation system of claim 1 wherein said main car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion system and supported by said upper track surface, said overhang housing depending downwardly only from said second side of said upper housing.

4. The transportation system of claim 1 and further comprising:

means for coupling and uncoupling said main car with said shuttle car for exchange of passengers.

5. The transportation system of claim 1 wherein said lower wheels of said shuttle car and said main car exert an upward force upon said rail to lock said cars in position on said rail.

6. A transportation system of claim 1 wherein said upper track surface comprises a relatively flat upper surface and opposed raised side guards and wherein said first and second opposed sides each comprises downwardly and inwardly sloping side walls.

7. The monorail system of claim 1 wherein said rail includes opposed side guard rails for preventing lateral movement of said cars on said rail.

8. the monorail system of claim 1 and further comprising:

passenger compartment means located in said overhang portion of said main car, said passenger compartment means located below said rail.

9. A transportation system comprisng:

an elevated rail having an upper track surface and first and second opposed sides,

shuttle tracks branching from said first side of said rail to provide exits from and entries to said rail only from said first side,

a shuttle car having a means for propelling said shuttle car along said upper track surface and having guide means contacting said first side for causing said shuttle car to exit and enter said rail from said shuttle tracks, and

a main car having means for propelling said car along said upper track and having a guide means contacting said second side of said rail for preventing said main car from entering said shuttle tracks.

10. The transportation system of claim 9 wherein said shuttle car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion means and being supported by said upper track surface, and an overhang housing depending downwardly from said first side of said upper housing.

11. The transportation system ofclaim 9 wherein said main car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion means and supported by said upper track surface, and an overhang housing depending downwardly only from said second side of said upper housing.

12. The monorail system of claim 11 and further comprising:

passenger compartment means located in said overhang portion of said main car, said passenger compartment means located below said rail.

13. The transportation system of claim 9 and further comprising:

means for coupling and uncoupling said main car with said shuttle car for exchange of passengers.

14. The transportation system of claim 9 wherein lower wheels are provided on said shuttle car and said main car and wherein said lower wheels exert an upward force upon said rail to lock said cars in position on said rail.

15. The monorail system of claim 9 wherein said upper track surface comprises a relatively flat upper surface and opposed raised side guards and wherein said first and second opposed sides each comprises side walls.

16. The monorail system of claim 9 wherein said rail includes opposed side guard rails for preventing lateral movement of said cars on said rail. 

1. A transportation system comprising: an elevated rail having an upper track surface and first and second opposed sides, shuttle tracks branching from said first side of said rail to provide exits from and entries to said rail only from said first side, a shuttle car having a propulsion system for propelling said car along said upper track surface and having an overhang housing with lower wheels which bear against said first side of said rail, said lower wheels causing said shuttle car to exit and enter said rail from said shuttle tracks, a main car having a propulsion system for propelling said car along said upper track and having an overhang housing with lower wheels which bear against said second side of said rail, said lower wheels of said main car preventing said main car from entering said shuttle tracks, and means for connecting said shuttle car and said main car for travel along said rail and for disconnecting said shuttle car from said main car for exit of said shuttle car on said shuttle tracks.
 2. The transportation system of claim 1 wheRein said shuttle car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion system and being supported by said upper track surface, said overhang housing depending downwardly from said first side of said upper housing.
 3. The transportation system of claim 1 wherein said main car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion system and supported by said upper track surface, said overhang housing depending downwardly only from said second side of said upper housing.
 4. The transportation system of claim 1 and further comprising: means for coupling and uncoupling said main car with said shuttle car for exchange of passengers.
 5. The transportation system of claim 1 wherein said lower wheels of said shuttle car and said main car exert an upward force upon said rail to lock said cars in position on said rail.
 6. A transportation system of claim 1 wherein said upper track surface comprises a relatively flat upper surface and opposed raised side guards and wherein said first and second opposed sides each comprises downwardly and inwardly sloping side walls.
 7. The monorail system of claim 1 wherein said rail includes opposed side guard rails for preventing lateral movement of said cars on said rail.
 8. the monorail system of claim 1 and further comprising: passenger compartment means located in said overhang portion of said main car, said passenger compartment means located below said rail.
 9. A transportation system comprisng: an elevated rail having an upper track surface and first and second opposed sides, shuttle tracks branching from said first side of said rail to provide exits from and entries to said rail only from said first side, a shuttle car having a means for propelling said shuttle car along said upper track surface and having guide means contacting said first side for causing said shuttle car to exit and enter said rail from said shuttle tracks, and a main car having means for propelling said car along said upper track and having a guide means contacting said second side of said rail for preventing said main car from entering said shuttle tracks.
 10. The transportation system of claim 9 wherein said shuttle car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion means and being supported by said upper track surface, and an overhang housing depending downwardly from said first side of said upper housing.
 11. The transportation system of claim 9 wherein said main car includes an upper housing containing said propulsion means and supported by said upper track surface, and an overhang housing depending downwardly only from said second side of said upper housing.
 12. The monorail system of claim 11 and further comprising: passenger compartment means located in said overhang portion of said main car, said passenger compartment means located below said rail.
 13. The transportation system of claim 9 and further comprising: means for coupling and uncoupling said main car with said shuttle car for exchange of passengers.
 14. The transportation system of claim 9 wherein lower wheels are provided on said shuttle car and said main car and wherein said lower wheels exert an upward force upon said rail to lock said cars in position on said rail.
 15. The monorail system of claim 9 wherein said upper track surface comprises a relatively flat upper surface and opposed raised side guards and wherein said first and second opposed sides each comprises side walls.
 16. The monorail system of claim 9 wherein said rail includes opposed side guard rails for preventing lateral movement of said cars on said rail. 